2005 Volvo S80 New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Volvo S80?
Fog lights are standard across the board, and rear burled walnut trim graces the dashboards of S80 2.5T models equipped with the Premium package (it's standard on the T6). A new Sport package option for the 2.5T includes the sport seats, manually interactive automatic transmission, and alloy wheels of the more powerful T6 model. Later in the model year, a new Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) will be available. BLIS monitors the S80's blind spots and sounds a warning when the driver signals for a lane change and a vehicle is occupying the adjoining lane.

Advantages of the 2005 Volvo S80:

• Cushy and comfortable cabin
• Available all-wheel-drive
• Available Four-C active chassis
• Rear DVD entertainment system in Premier edition
• New Blind Spot Information System technology

Objections to the 2005 Volvo S80:

• Inconsistent dependability history
• Anonymous personality
• Level of luxury not commensurate with price tag

Editor's Advice:
If Sweden has ever produced its rendition of a Buick Park Avenue, the 2005 Volvo S80 is it. The Volvo S80 coddles its occupants in supreme comfort, looks good, drives decently, and in Premier trim fulfills the promise of luxury its price tag dictates. Just don't expect to derive an ounce of excitement from owning or driving this competent but dull and quite safe automobile.